"Fred!"
Carden caught him just as his knees finally gave way. Fred's full weight crashed into his arms, nearly pulling them both to the floor. Rain streamed off Fred's clothes, dripping steadily and pooling across the wooden floor of the small room. His breathing was shallow and uneven, every breath a struggle. Exhaustion clung to him like a second skin.
"Close… the door," Fred whispered, his voice barely audible above the storm.
Carden dragged him inside, kicked the door shut, and slid the bolt into place with shaking hands. Almost immediately, thunder cracked overhead, rattling the walls and making the old building groan. For a moment, it felt as though the storm itself had followed Fred inside.
He guided Fred to the chair beside the bed and eased him down carefully.
"Wh
